Type 3 in the Enneagram is The Achiever. 3's target achievement as their primary focus in life and the herb Schisandra has a similar winning combination of qualities which support the driven work of a 3.

Achievers focus on goals and action steps and they don’t mind being in the number 1 spotlight. Their focus is on speed and efficiency. Likewise, the color of Schisandra’s bright red berries connotes action and high energy similar to 3's. Shine, glitz and glitter, give it to me! It’s a fountain-of-youth herb that lowers stress hormones, boosts liver function, prevents adrenaline fatigue, lowers inflammation, benefits digestion, and protects skin from sun, wind and allergic reactions. What doesn’t it do?!​Schisandra is a seemingly miraculous remedy; as an adaptogen it helps the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. It also improves mental performance, is a sexual tonic, reverses heavy metal toxicity, soothes coughs and helps the heart. The list goes on and on. Many athletes use Schisandra for optimal performance.

The plant is a vigorously growing vine that can reach up to 30 feet in length. Symbolically a vine represents striving for something higher (reaching for the sun!) and likewise, Type 3's are vigorous achievers, striving for the next goal and climbing the ladder.

Schisandra is a unique berry since it has all five flavors (salty, sweet, sour, bitter and pungent). It comes in any form you want – fresh fruit, dried fruit, mixed in health drinks, capsules, pill, powder, tea, tincture and alcoholic drinks.​Schisandra tastes predominantly sour or pungent to many people so it often needs sweeteners. Similar to 3's who don’t mind hard work, they overcome sour or bitter challenges by the sweet reward that comes with the results. The satisfaction comes with the end goal complete so the hard work is worth it in the end for the Achiever. The process is less important than the results.​For over 4,700 years Schisandra has been a traditional Chinese herb used by the royalty and Daoist Masters, connotating its association with longevity. It grows in bunches of vibrant bright berries, like hanging grapes but with smaller berries. It’s native to -- and particularly cultivated in -- Northeast China and Russia, although it is now being grown in the United States. It’s cultivated in long rows and harvested in late July and August. The berries are mostly dried in the sun. Some are refrigerated for health drinks, particularly sent to Korea. It’s even grown in the progressive state of Massachusetts!

If you’re feeling down and need a boost, go with Schisandra. It provides your body with an energizing lift to move and be on the go, and helps normalize and support the fluids of the body. 3's may need help going with the flow more evenly as they tend to push and overwork themselves.

​As a flower essence Schisandra berry is said to teach “moderation to those committed to a path of growth who tend to overextend themselves.”​Try working with the intense energy of these unique berries -- you may be surprised at how well they help you cope with challenging or stressful situations. Like Schisandra, you may be inspired to reach for something higher.

Herb Pearce is an expert on the Enneagram with 28+ years experience. He has authored four books on the Enneagram including his most recent work, Presidential Profiles: Washington to Trump - Enneagram and Myers-Briggs Perspectives. Herb has taught over 2000 Enneagram workshops and has worked with hundreds of organizations, individuals and couples using the Enneagram in his counseling practice. Herb resides in Arlington, Massachusetts where he is a practicing psychotherapist and life coach. He emphasizes developing the strengths of all 9 Enneagram types and is known for his exacting insights, moderated by gentleness, humor and compassion. You can learn more at www.herbpearce.com or email him directly at herb@herbpearce.com.